Also known as Sand-Dollar Cactus · Sea-Urchin Cactus · Seaurchin Starcactus
Sanddollar (Astrophytum asterias) is a small, spineless cactus resembling a sea urchin. It features a star-shaped pattern and is a popular collectible succulent.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect sunlight.
75% intensity
Avoid intense direct sun, which can scorch the plant.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
25% intensity
Crucial to prevent root rot; reduce in winter.
Well-draining, gritty, sandy
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures during the growing season.
75% intensity
Ideal range is 21-27°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures in dormancy (10-13°C).
Feed sparingly during the growing season.
25% intensity
Use a diluted cactus fertilizer; cease in fall and winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Reduce watering significantly in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging, as this succulent is highly susceptible to overwatering, especially during its dormant period.
Pruning is generally not required for Astrophytum asterias. Remove any dead or dried-up lower leaves to maintain cleanliness.
If any part of the plant becomes diseased or damaged, carefully cut it away with a sterile knife.
Propagation is primarily done through seeds. Sow seeds on a well-draining cactus mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and warm. Alternatively, offsets can be carefully removed, allowed to callous, and then planted.
Repot only when the plant outgrows its current container, typically every 2-3 years. Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball. Repot in spring or early summer.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sanddollar (Astrophytum asterias)
Where Sanddollar (Astrophytum asterias) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Astrophytum |
| Species | Astrophytum asterias |
Similar in genus Astrophytum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
